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Is it possible to receive God’s grace in vain? Can God’s grace or our salvation be rendered useless? I don’t know that salvation accepted through God’s grace can be absolutely lost, although Hebrews 6:4-6,2Peter 2:20,21,2 Peter 3:17 seem to allude to such a possibility. But we are cautioned that, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment…” Hebrews 10:26,27

Maybe the key to this scriptural admonition is in its reference to us as fellow workers. How productive has God’s investment of grace been in you? Has that investment brought him any dividends or has it been in vain? Paul speaks of our spiritual foundation as being Jesus Christ and our life being that which we build on it. A building of, “…gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,…”; and further states that the structure of our life will be tested – as with fire – which will show how durable our effort actually was and with what quality material it was built. He goes on to explain the reward for a well-constructed building and the consequences of one not so well-built; assuring us that our salvation may very well remain intact, but, “…only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

What is grace anyway? It often expresses itself as beauty, charm, manners, thoughtfulness and good-will. It can be shown in the granting of favors and mercy or defined as a delay in payment beyond a due date – or as unmerited love and favor of God for man; which God extends to all, “…not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (See also Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 Timothy 2:4)

If we can feel secure in the offer of salvation as a result of God’s grace, what can we expect of salvation itself? (Sounds like a silly question but bear with me!) Eternal life? Sure. A better life? How? Do you expect things to go your way more as a consequence of your salvation or to have to change your lifestyle to effect change and a better life? Does faith merely happen or does faithfulness cultivate a deeper faith? Does that matter? I think so. For we often accomplish what we expect to – our expectations in reality being the things we target for achievement in life.

If salvation and a better life are realistic expectations of what we will receive from God’s grace – what are his expectations of us? What should we expect to do or give? Wait a minute – I thought grace was free. “…the gift of God is eternal life...” Romans 6:23 (See also Ephesians 1:6) Is there a price on my gift? There may not be a specific price but there is certainly cost; and a response of appreciation and gratitude would certainly be appropriate. In consideration of the value of this gift; a new life in the here-and-now and eternal life in the here-after, a change in lifestyle is certainly not too much to expect.

That being said, let’s admit that some do reject God’s grace. But how could we receive it in vain? By not responding to God’s legitimate expectations of us; of worship, praise, thankfulness and faithfulness. Sometimes our response to his claim on our lives after our receipt of salvation makes it appear as if what was done on our behalf was so common-place as to be cheap. Which it isn’t – even if it is bestowed freely! We are justified freely by God’s grace through a redemption that came by Jesus’ sacrifice in our place for the remission of our sin (Romans 3:23-25); making it imperative that we respond to this immeasurable gift. (See Hebrews 2:3)

How much effort will that take? Won’t God mysteriously – miraculously – change you into a different person? (2 Corinthians 5:17) I believe he can and will – if you allow. But will that change come with no effort on your part? I think not. We often must change our perception of what is desirable and worthy of our time, effort and energy; clearing our minds of much that the world offers and deems acceptable. This can be difficult and confusing, especially at first. But we can find a peace that transcends our faltering understanding that will guard our hearts and minds, leading us to confidence in facing life’s difficulties through Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:7) As we learn to focus on those things that are admirable, excellent and praiseworthy – whatever is true, noble, right, pure and lovely; we will find the peace of God. When we put into practice that which we have seen and heard through the gospels; we will prosper. (Philippians 4:8,9)

If no change in your status as a human being was needed, why was a sacrifice for you absolutely necessary before you could attain God’s grace and the salvation if affords? What it comes down to is not how much you must change – but how much do you need/want to change as a consequence of the mercy and grace extended to you through the cross. Not how much do we have to do but how much can we accomplish. Is this a call to work for salvation? Or a call to work in consequence of salvation? Which arises from appreciation and a desire to be like God, to please God, to partner with God; to see others come to know God in Christ.

“As God’s fellow workers” is a phrase and concept oft-repeated throughout scripture. (1Cor. 3:9,2 Corinthians 5:20, for example) For the gospel of Jesus is a story of service. (Matthew 20:25-28) Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10; in every respect, in all ways – temporal as well as spiritual. “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word… otherwise, you have believed in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:2 And he desires for us to share in this gospel ministry. (Go, preach salvation – teach obedience. Matthew 28:18-20) “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,…” Ephesians 2:10 As “Jesus Christ… gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:14

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:9 But, “What good is it… if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But some will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do… For, as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:14-18 & 26

Are Paul and James at odds with one another here? Not at all. The simple truth is that if you are truly saved, and have a genuine faith – you will act differently. Your priorities will change; your time now spent in pursuit of God’s will, your abilities used to further God’s kingdom. Paul declaring, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” Acts 26:20

Was Christ’s sacrifice of no real value – without power or significance? Can our life in Christ be futile and without purpose? Only if you allow it to be so by neglecting the responsibility you share as a Christian. For, “…if we are children (of God), then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings (and ministry) in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

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